Entertainment/Feeling churches

[KagomeShuko]

We had our church council retreat on Saturday, and I was honestly sickened by the time we left the meetings.

They came up with the question of why our church wasn't attracting poeple and others were.

These are the answers that THEY gave. . .*sigh*

Music (sorry, we've always got music, it's just not a rock band)

The sermons do not make them feel good. . .at this, they suggest that they REQUEST the pastor preaching that day that one of them requests he makes some effort to make it a "feel good" sermon. I was horrified at the suggestion. I was the only one and I complaned to my mom about what they said, and she kind of agreed. The rest of them had nothing against this idea whatsoever. I definitely do not want to be attending such a church. . .and I have a bad feeling it'll be heading that way with not having a pastor. (I pray I get a good YM job at a theologically sound church soon).

They also suggested that we didn't have enough entertainment. Okay, we don't have entertainment, but that's not really a concern.

The thing is, they don't offer ANYTHING, really. It's just the "good ol' boys" or "good ol' gals" network mostly.

I KNOW that's the problem because I'm not even accepted at things like the W/ELCA meetings because heavens, there might be something a bit more important than remodeling the kitchen or worrying about the Christmas decorations. The good things they do is collect stuff monthy for either the women's shelter or the food pantry. Then, they send birthday cards. However, that's about it. They gossip and talk about useless stuff. There is nothing offered for people to come, fellowship, and learn about Lutheranism or even just Christianity. I know that's one of the hugest problems, and they never want to accept it. After all, what do I know when I'm within the target age range they want to attract? I'm TOO young to know anything. . .

It's the same story over and over again. It makes me really sad that they never see this, even when it IS mentioned

 

[SPALATIN]

Church Growth Alert!!!

 

[talitha]

The complaints that I hear about my church are that we "worship" (sing) for too long, minister (pray with laying on of hands, etc) for too long, "indulge the prophetic" (I love that one), and the sermons are too long and too "hard" or too passionate.... I love that my pastor won't budge on any of that. I have been in so many churches where the - let's face it - unspiritual people are in charge, people who want church services to be over-with quick, as if it were a spoonful of castor oil. I feel for ya, sis.... I pray that the Lord will lead you into green pastures......

bless you in Him
tal

 

[RedneckAnglican]

The sermons do not make them feel good. . .at this, they suggest that they REQUEST the pastor preaching that day that one of them requests he makes some effort to make it a "feel good" sermon. I was horrified at the suggestion. I was the only one and I complaned to my mom about what they said, and she kind of agreed. The rest of them had nothing against this idea whatsoever. I definitely do not want to be attending such a church. . .and I have a bad feeling it'll be heading that way with not having a pastor. (I pray I get a good YM job at a theologically sound church soon).

If I want feel good sermons I'll stay at the house and listen to Joel Osteen or that whole Schuller bunch...I've had the "Spiritual Milk"...now I want meat...I want to know what GOD really says about my life...yes...I know...JESUS loves me...I know the song....now tell me why I should love him...you do that by talking about the law and why we need HIM so badly...

 

[Melethiel]

Aw. That's too bad. And you think YOU'RE "too young to know anything"... My pastor preaches quite well, but I do have some complaints about the choice of liturgy/hymns.

 

[cableguy]

Ugh. In my opinion, as a newer Lutheran, is that change is not always the answer. What brought me to St. Mark, besides the Holy Spirit, WAS it's more traditional ways. The largest "church" in the United States just so happens to be the Catholic Church. Besides Vatican II, they haven't really changed their ways for hundreds of years. Why do we think that if we change who we are we'll attract more people?

Just a thought. If Lutherans went out more spreading the gospel rather then sitting in their "good 'ol boy" network, I'm confident the people would come. It's a darn good way to look at believing in Jesus Christ and worshiping him, if only people knew.

 

[KagomeShuko]

Heh. . .I was being sarcastic when I said "I'm too young." However, what's sad, is that before coming to oh, 10 year olds, I'm one of the youngest members at the church. I can think of one other who attends regularly. However, that's how a lot of the council members act - I'm "too young." After all, I'm the youngest council member.

I'm getting tired of this church, even though I love it, because they seem to care about the gospel less and less and just focus on material things and talk about growth but don't do anything to promote it whatsoever.

 

[Bollman]

I hate it when a church becomes a country club.

At a church I was once a member of a lower class family started attending. They worn tattered clothing to church. At a council meeting a man asked how we could get rid of them.... I left the church.

We need to reach more not less... Listen to "If we are the body" by Casting Crowns.

Bollman

 

[nikkipompom]

I just had this talk today with my aunt and mom. Our church is not far from a new age music blasting(they have bands book here) Church with mainly teens that attend.They have alot of stuff for teens but really it becomes a meeting source and they do everything in that building in between praising God.
I feel like this. I would love for things to be a bit more up,better music and maybe better sermons but I am thankful I am in this church because we have a closeness and dressing up and being popular is not what it's about. I would love to have more say in our church. I do believe there will be change but it may take awhile.

 

[TheCosmicGospel]

Maybe the key to this whole issue lies in answering a very basic question.

What makes Lutheraans so "dern peculiar"?

Perhaps we don't know ourselves and that's why we are trying to catch aup and be like everyone else.

YOU ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH; BUT IF THAT SALT HAS BECOME TASTELESS, HOW WILL IT BE MADE SALTY AGAIN? IT IS GOOD FOR NOTHING! Matt 5:13

Peace,
Cos